Database Security

What is Database Security? Database security is the use of a wide variety of tools to protect large virtual data...

What is Database Security?

Database security is the use of a wide variety of tools to protect large virtual data storage units. The field is made up of several different components, but is mainly focused on how to best protect user databases from external attacks. Different areas of database security include protecting the data itself (data level security), the applications used to process and store data, the physical servers, and even the network connections that allow users to access databases (system level security).

As all organizations use databases to some degree—from smaller matters such as keeping track of employee details to more complex CRM databases—protecting the information they store is increasingly important as hackers and other malicious actors find more sophisticated ways to attack their systems.

Some database security threats include attacks that change a database’s operations, DDoS attacks, data corruption, and even malware such as viruses.

Big data security & database security take many forms, and there are different tools that organizations use to protect their data. Some of the more common tools include restricting access for users based on their level of need (some users only need to view data, while others may need to actually manipulate it), adding database and web-application firewalls, and even physically protecting database servers by isolating them from other vulnerable systems.

Another common tool for protecting databases is including heavy encryption, which makes data unreadable even if accessed by hackers.

How Can I Deploy Database Security?

There are several ways organizations can effectively improve their database security. One of the most common ways is performing an audit of a database’s logs to check who accessed it, when, and what they did. This can quickly find vulnerabilities and reveal any attacks. Security experts can also harden their security by adding layers of protection such as encryption, firewalls, and robust passwords.

Moreover, database access should always be limited to what users need specifically. Many errors and lapses in BI security occur because users, even unintentionally, create gaps that hackers can exploit or corrupt data. By limiting who can manipulate the data and the database’s operating tools, administrators can greatly reduce the likelihood that they will be attacked.

Constantly monitoring databases is also vital, as some of the most common attacks can be detected by unusual access attempts and interactions on the database servers themselves. Additionally, including physical protections can also eliminate many database security issues.